Fleadh triumph for Mairéad
Nenagh native Mairéad O’Brien (19), daughter of Lorcan and Judy O'Brien from Coolaholiga, has claimed top honours in Irish traditional music at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 in Belfast.
She lifted the prestigious Coleman Perpetual Memorial Cup as the Senior Fiddle Champion.
The victory adds to Mairéad's eight All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil medals, including four first-place finishes. This achievement is a testament to all the hard work and dedication she has applied to her craft since her first County Fleadh in Golden in 2015. She now joins past Tipperary winners of the Senior Fiddle competition, including Seán Ryan, Eileen O’Brien, Ashling Costello, and Michael Harrison.
This year's Fleadh Cheoil proved to be a double triumph for Mairéad. Besides her solo title, she performed on the main stage of the Waterfront Hall with An Carrig Céilí Band, securing second place in the fiercely competitive Senior Céilí Band competition. The lineup featured local musicians Keelan McGrath, Ciarán and Cathal Slattery, and Sarah Bourke, alongside bandmates from Offaly and Clare.
Mairéad's musical interests began at Gaelscoil Aonach Urmhumhan, where she played in her first Banna Ceoil. Her first violin lessons were taken with local Nenagh teacher Lisa Duffy, who taught Mairéad through the Suzuki method of learning. She and her brothers, Harry and Conor, grew up playing with CCÉ Ormond in Nenagh. Mairéad now enjoys helping prepare the branch's younger members for céilí band and group sessions, as well as teaching fiddle and piano.
The locally renowned musician and teacher Liz Gaughan Quinn had a major influence on Mairéad during her formative years. She instilled in her a fantastic love and technical ability in fiddle playing. Mairéad maintains close connections with her former tutors, considering them all personal, lifelong friends.
Mairéad's background also includes classical violin study under Oonagh Keogh in Limerick. She is currently a member of the Cork School of Music Symphony Orchestra and has been a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland since 2023.
Her versatility has seen her achieve steady medal success in classical violin at the prestigious Feis Ceoil in Dublin over the years. Mairéad also plays both traditional and classical piano. She was taught by Emily Kennedy locally in her early years, and later by Rosemary Walsh during her secondary school years at the Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles.
Outside of her music, Mairéad is heading into her second year of Pharmacy studies at University College Cork (UCC). Her primary focus remains live performance, both as a soloist and at traditional music events across the country. For Mairéad, the most rewarding aspect of her music has been the network of friends made through sessions, music festivals, and events nationwide.
Nenagh extends its congratulations to Mairéad on bringing the Senior Fiddle title home to Tipperary.